Community Forums

jburden63 · 03-21-2016, 07:48 AM

To All,
WOW... There is a ton of knowledge on this site, so I have a question. I have a 2001 Dutchman 26' 5th wheel camper, pulling with a 2004 Silverado 2500 (gas). I would like to change the tire / rim size from 14" to 15" to get a little better towing feel and ride... will this make a difference? Is it even a good idea to increase the tire size? Or, are there other options I should consider?
Thanks in advance,
Jim

MnTom · 03-21-2016, 08:08 AM

Increasing tire diameter can be a good thing. The first thing to ask is do you have enough clearance to increase to a larger diameter? You can go to THIS SITE to compare tire sizes and it will give you a lot of good info.

spsm · 03-21-2016, 08:08 AM

will it make a difference ? I think so.. more positives than negatives in my book. Besides what you mentioned I see less heat being generated, more tire wear available more stability, more carrying capacity, less maintenance, better gas mileage, etc. and I won't have the feeling to stop with a helping hand when your stranded on the side of the road (like those snowmobile trailers). The only negative would be a few dollars more for the larger size. Make sure you got room.

jburden63 · 03-21-2016, 08:22 AM

Thanks for the info! Can I mount trailer tires on passenger vehicle rims? I have 4 aluminum SUV rims that will fit the 5th wheel but are the tires compatible?

spsm · 03-21-2016, 08:31 AM

Take your tire and rim to a tire dealer and ask them. Just make sure your new tire has the same rating or better than what your replacing.

MnTom · 03-21-2016, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jburden63

Thanks for the info! Can I mount trailer tires on passenger vehicle rims? I have 4 aluminum SUV rims that will fit the 5th wheel but are the tires compatible?

I would be careful with this. There are much greater side loads on the rims with a tandem axle set up vs an SUV.

Tightwadted · 03-21-2016, 04:38 PM

one more thing to be aware of if using car/truck rims on a trailer: besides the side loading aspect, trailers quite often have a larger diameter hub, and the center opening on your passenger rim will not fit on it.

Franka548 · 03-21-2016, 08:08 PM

The biggest issue with using passenger vehicle wheels is the load rating on the wheel. The weight rating on the new wheel needs to be at least equal to the original trailer wheel, if not higher. Also, the wheel and lug nut must be of the same kind, i.e., hub piloted or lug piloted. If all these things line up correctly then go for it, the side loads won't be an issue.
Frank

FastEagle · 03-21-2016, 09:26 PM

Changing tire/rim diameter sizes is seldom - if ever - recommended by RV trailer manufacturers. But, your trailer is out of almost any coverage that would be effected by such tire changes.

Be careful with tire design changes (ST vs. LT). Sometimes the load capacity of a desired LT tire will not provide the load capacity of the Original Equipment ST tire.

Wheel Well and tire to tire clearances with multi axle trailers need to meet the minimal requirements. Three inches from top of tire to the floor board and 1” between tires and those figures can change with suspension specs. Wider tires must also be checked for clearances.

Using replacement tires with greater load capacities does not increase your cargo capacity. Your trailer is still restricted to it’s GVWR. However, the reserve load capacity is relaxing to have available on long trips.

Going to the 15” tires/rims opens numerous options you did not have with the 14” set-up. Do a lot of tire/rim researching.

Good Luck!

Note: Trailer rims need to be zero offset rims and have the ability to carry the load capacity and PSI requirements of your replacement tires.

jburden63 · 03-22-2016, 04:37 AM

Thanks to everyone for their input! I guess the best (safest) way to go would be to just upgrade to a 15" trailer tire / rim combo... anyone have any ideas as to a "cost effective" place to buy them?

wingnut60 · 03-22-2016, 07:54 AM

www.trailertiresandwheels.com

Shipped direct to you mounted and balanced. They understand trailers and wheels/tires.

Joe

JIMNLIN · 03-22-2016, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jburden63

Thanks to everyone for their input! I guess the best (safest) way to go would be to just upgrade to a 15" trailer tire / rim combo... anyone have any ideas as to a "cost effective" place to buy them?

Good idea.
Its not recommended to use a automotive wheel on a trailer.
Wheel bearing on a trailer require a zero offset trailer wheel. Automotive wheels from a truck/suv/van/etc have too much offset which will/can whip out a trailer bearing pretty quick especially on a road trailer. Now a lightweight lawn service trailer that sees short trips around town it may last longer but its not worth the risk of fighting a ruined wheel bearing on the side of the road.
Let google be your friend on chasing down trailer wheels.
Also equipment trailer dealers/mfg close by is another source for the right wheels.